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This is a game that was marked on the calendars of both of the teams who had 1st round byes in Season 1. Coach Illnyill took the Cardinals and the lowest rated team in the game at that point and took them on an improbable run (unless you know how good he is) where they defeated most teams, finished 12-4. Dismantled the Eagles in the Divisional Round.
The Falcons on the other hand, lost two games early last year, but finished tied for second in the league with the best record at 14-2. The Falcons had a rematch with the Vikings who they played earlier in the season and they defeated Minnesota in the Divisional Round in-route to having the chance at going to the Conference Title Game.
In the Conference Title Game, Atlanta and Arizona had a straight defensive struggle for 3 quarters of the game. But late in the 4th, the turnovers eventually caught up to Kolb and Michael Turner broke the game open with a huge pair of runs to ice the game late. No doubt that left a bitter taste in the mouths (pause) of Cardinals everywhere. Nevertheless, the Falcons won and went on to the Superbowl.
The Cardinals have been plotting for revenge and when this years, quasi-identical schedule got released, they (ARI) were pleased to see they would host Atlanta in their own home. Arizona who is currently 10-3 thinks that homecooking is whjat they need. Even though they've lost their last two games, you know that they are geared up for this matchup. Even NFC Champs Atlanta (9-4) knows this is a big game. Pretty much the winner of this game will be getting some type of 1st Round Bye which both teams covet.
Coach Smith had this to say "We know that they're a very talented team and Kolb, when accurate can be deadly. They have a 1-2 punch at the Halfback position (pause) and Fitz is as elite a receiver as their ever was in the SFL.. But, we're pretty good too.." "Get ready for a war.."
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12-20-2011, 04:49 PM
